Dear Charlie

Earle P. Martin, Jr. is grandfather to Charlie, a young man with autism. Charlie's diagnosis inspired Earle to become active in the autism community, and he remains active today. He believes in taking a positive, proactive approach to autism and hopes to help his grandson and others on the autism spectrum live full and rich lives, while still embracing the uniqueness that makes them who they are.

• Chapter One: To BeginFor a better feeling for, and understanding of, autismChapter Two: What is Autism?Thoughts on a definitionChapter Three: What Having Autism Means, and Doesn’t MeanWhat it is and is notChapter Four: What Does It Mean for You to Be Autistic?Why I feel different, a few differences in my brainChapter Five: Our BrainsUsing other parts of my brainChapter Six: Accepting Your AutismYes, I have autism.Chapter Seven: Telling Others about You and Asking about ThemKnowing each other betterChapter Eight: Being DifferentWe are all differentChapter Nine: Time Alone and Time with OthersWhy I need bothChapter Ten: MistakesIt’s okay to make mistakesChapter Eleven: FriendsLiking myself and being liked by othersChapter Twelve: What you Might BeI follow my interests. I follow my dreams.Chapter Thirteen: God in Your LifeGod loves me and is always with meChapter Fourteen: Can you Help Yourself to Live the Life You Want to Live? Yes, You Can.I can use my brain to help myselfChapter Fifteen: Seeing Autism as a ChallengeI can accept the challenge of my autism, and I ca winChapter Sixteen: Twelve Skills You Can UseTwelve things I can do to help myselfChapter Seventeen: My AffirmationI am Charlie. I like myself. I am glad that I am me.Chapter Seventeen: Last of AllI think I can